What is Timor-Leste known for?

What is Timor-Leste known for?

East Timor is an exciting destination renowned for its rich culture and beautiful beaches that have yet to be tarnished by tourists. East Timor gained independence as a country in 2002, making it one of the youngest countries in the world today – though it still holds tight to Portuguese and Indonesian influence.

How did Timor-Leste get its name?

The Constituent Assembly was renamed the National Parliament and Xanana Gusmão was sworn in as the country’s first President after Indonesian occupation. On 27 September 2002, East Timor was renamed Timor-Leste, using the Portuguese language, and was admitted as a member state by the UN.

Is Timor-Leste the poorest country?

After a referendum in which 78.5% of Timorese voted for independence, Indonesia renounced control of the region in 1999, and it obtained official sovereign state status on May 20, 2002, under the name of Timor-Leste. Yet years following independence, Timor-Leste remains one of the world’s poorest countries.

Is Timor-Leste a safe country?

Crime continues to be a problem in Timor-Leste, including gang-related violence, robbery (in some cases armed), and assault. Be vigilant at all times and avoid displaying expensive items of jewellery or carrying large sums of money. There have been reports of harassment and violence against women.

Was Timor-Leste a part of Indonesia?

East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal in 1975, but was invaded by Indonesia. The country was later incorporated as a province of Indonesia.

Why is East Timor separated from Indonesia?

Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an 1859 treaty for which Portugal ceded the western half of the island. East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal in 1975, but was invaded by Indonesia. The country was later incorporated as a province of Indonesia.

Is Timor Leste part of the Pacific?

Timor-Leste is situated geopolitically and culturally on the crossroads of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands region and has, since achieving in- dependence in 2002, pursued a two-pillared neighborhood foreign policy of ‘Acting West’ and ‘Looking East.

Is East Timor 3rd world?

East Timor continues to be one of the world’s poorest countries, with GDP per capita standing at $3,949 (2011). It is ranked 147 out of 187 (2011) countries in the UN’s Human Development Index. As of 2015, Timor-Leste had a population of 1.17 million and an annual growth rate at 1.8%.

Why does East Timor use the US dollar?

The US$ was chosen because it is a strong and stable currency and is widely accepted around the world. The decision to adopt the US$ was made by the National Consultative Council (NCC). The NCC represents East Timorese in all of UNTAET’s major decisions.

What is the history of Timor Leste?

The first to settle the island, Vedo-Australoid people related to Sri Lankans, arrived between 40,000 and 20,000 B.C. A second wave of Melanesian people around 3,000 B.C. drove the original inhabitants, called Atoni, up into the interior of Timor. The Melanesians were followed by Malay and Hakka people from southern China .

What happened to Timor-Leste during the Red Scare?

The joy of independent Timor-Leste was short lived though as the Red Scare swept over the western world. The fear of communism swept over the western world as the US admitted defeat during the Vietnam War and evacuated its last troops from Saigon, giving ways to communism in South East Asia.

What happened to the crocodile in Timor Leste?

As the crocodile died, he grew and grew, and his rigid back became the mountains and his scales the hills of Timor. Now when the people of East Timor swim in the ocean, they enter the water saying “Don’t eat me crocodile, I am your relative”.

When did East Timor become part of Indonesia?

East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by Indonesian forces nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor).